More specifically: they chose Firebox because it doesn't have those kind of features. If the just wanted a (sorta-kinda) open-source browser filled with all the latest hype features they would've simply used Chromium.

Using Firefox is a political choice. People use it because it's one of the few remaining traditional browsers which isn't a tentacle of Big Tech. Chasing the competition and adding the stuff your users are actively trying to avoid isn't going to work.

The main reason for using Firefox is because they support Manifest v2 / Ad-Blockers.

This increases security while also harming Google's business model. Win-Win.

> If the just wanted a (sorta-kinda) open-source browser filled with all the latest hype features they would've simply used Chromium.

I don't mind features existing, especially if I can switch them off if I don't want them. I definitely mind Chrom(ium|e).

I don't see how the existence of the Firefox AI sidebar gives Google effective control over web specs.